I think I will go on the path of trying to purchase a whole hack setup instead of just modding my Kz 400. So the big question now is simply who would you recommend as a reputable dealer?
Holopaw Corvette is well recommended for URALs, and there are at least a number of URAL dealers around the country who could also be helpful, more or less - depending upon how "vintage" a URAL rig you might get. The same cannot be said about a C-J support network. You might do OK with a C-J, but I think it is much more of a "roll your own" situation..something to consider.
http://www.vostokmotors.com/ These guys have a good rep for Dneprs. These guys can get you a CJ: http://scooterbob.com/
Depends on your state, Dneprs shouldn't be a problem as most being brought in are actually vintage rigs, but many states and customs officials have wised up to the fact that most CJ's coming in are new with fraudulent paperwork. Think long and hard before getting anything that hasn't been titled and registered.
There is a Dnepr guy in Cleveland that most people on here would probably tell you to avoid dealing with. If you want to buy a Ural, Terry Crawford in South Lyon, MI (west side of Detroit) may be the closest.
Looks like the Dnepr are a much better deal. Like he Urals too, but $5K for an iffy Dnepr that you have to work on a lot seems like a better deal than a new Ural for $15K. Which is also an iffy bike that you have to work on a lot Both are cool, and I still want a hack rig.
Used Dnepr vs new ural? What about used urals? $1500 for the bike with no electrics, $200 trailer, I have maybe $800 in it over the past 36000 km for rebuilds, tires, etc... Parts are easy to find, and although it is frustrating me right now with crankshafts, I love it. And don't think of it as a single brand, but a platform. If you are getting a project, there is nothing wrong with a chang-ural-dnepr. (Churapr??) I am looking at a dnepr engine that was supposedly overhauled professionaly as a possible future candidate for my ural when I break my engine again.
Luckily there have been no used Urals or Dneprs close to me that were in my price range. I like the utilitarian look of the military models, wouldn't mind having to tinker with them as they seem pretty simple and shouldn't be very hard to work on. If I had to tinker with and repair a new $15K bike I wouldn't be as happy tho. My wife won't ride 2 wheels with me anymore, but said she would ride in a sidecar. Gives me an excuse to buy one.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I have looked into Vostok motors and was wondering if their shipping rate is reasonable?
I'll second this and especially as someone who has been researching Urals for a few years now. Every once in a while I've come across some used CJ bikes and most of them are not registered/titled. Is it possible? Yeah, but it's a pain if it's not already done. You also have to then factor in getting parts for them. Parts are still available from China, but it's hit or miss in the U.S. I found one local to me about a month ago that was actually registered/titled/tagged, I was in shock. I started researching them again and most of the 'net links that I used to have bookmarked for parts, info, etc. were dead and didn't work anymore. The few U.S. based guys that I knew who were bringing them in have also disappeared. There are several companies in China who still put them together for export, you may want to look at them if you're serious about it. It's still a pain with the paperwork, but it's doable. There is also a thread on here called something like "follow the import process of my Chang Jiang" of an inmate who did it. Some of the companies will also customize them to your specs if you want custom paint, etc. As for the Dnepr, it's hit or miss as well. Go to Sovietsteds.com or Russianiron.com and you'll usually find some for sale. But many of them are also overseas and will have to be imported since there are a lot of users in Russia, Ukraine, etc. Me personally? I've opted for going the Ural route. You get the same looks (for the most part), but gain a tad bit more reliability, parts availability, and at least there is a small dealer network you can reach out to if needed. If the Ural was out, I would definitely go for a Dnepr before I would mess with the CJ's just because of some of the things I mentioned. Again, it's definitely possible either way, just depends on how much headache you want to deal with (my opinion mind you).
Rates aren't up to them it's up to the transport co. Fuel costs on the rise constantly doesn't make running x-country any cheaper. Long run from CA to OH. Since you're in OH you've got two very good reputable Ural dealers within reach. Terry Crawford in S. Lyon, MI and Heindle Engineering in Eaton, OH. If you want an old military type Crawfords has/had(?) an M-72 for sale in the Gray Market section of the Soviet Steeds forum and also listed on his web site. Depending on your needs/desires/intended use all Ural/Dneprs are slow and the older flatheads even slower by todays zoom zoom standards. I'd call Terry at Crawfords or Jan or Dave at Heindl and explain your needs. They'll give you honest recommendations on what's best for your needs Not discounting Vostok at all cause when my change jar fills up enough for another project/toy I'll be shopping for an old flathead ural/dnepr or even a CJ and Vostok will be my first port of call, but I'm a LOT closer than you are so distance isn't a major issue. Good luck, have fun.
Wish this was closer. http://annarbor.craigslist.org/mcy/3220723033.html Trade for Harley That is so much cooler than most Harleys, at least to me.
Go to Heindle just north of Dayton. BMW of Cleveland just started selling Urals , they are across the street from the old Geauga Lake. I would stick with Heindle.Stay away from Ivan!
I can second Scooter Bob's.He got me one about 4 years ago that was everything and more that I expected.Unfortunatley it was lost in a hurricane a few months later.
Scooter Bob's store shut down, see his web page. I had looked at him years ago as well. From his site says, he is working directly for the importer or builder now or something. There is a link to an email of someone he knows who is still handling the purchases though. For all the work though, I'd still say anyone who seriously wants one should just go for the Ural. To each their own though.
A Chang or Chang with a BMW engine.......from Jimbo's Sidecars in Beijing. He's an American who speaks English. The Chang importation issue isn't an issue so long as your paperwork is in order and is of a certain age.............I brought my Chang back from China and registered it in California. No major hurdles or hoops to jump thru. Parts are cheap and easy to get.........5-10 days by post.